Zebra Cichlid

Maylandia zebra (formerly Pseudotropheus zebra) is the archetypal mbuna of Lake Malawi, displaying vibrant electric-blue colouration with distinct black vertical barring across the body in dominant males. A robust and lively cichlid that forms the cornerstone of countless Malawi rock aquaria across Belgium and the Netherlands, it is highly interactive, visually striking, and rewarding to keep when provided with appropriate rocky habitat and compatible tank mates.

House in a minimum 200 L rock aquarium with densely stacked rocks forming numerous caves and territories. Maintain pH 7.5–8.5, GH 10–20, KH 8–15, temperature 24–28°C. Feed mbuna-specific flake with spirulina supplementation — a high-protein diet can cause the fatal bloat disease in mbuna. Keep only one male per species or keep multiple males with many females to dilute aggression. Overfiltration strongly recommended.